Some pictures are worth a thousand words. Others are worth even more in emotion.

Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos upended the Buffalo Bills in the AFC’s divisional round, but it came at a great cost: In the closing moments of Denver’s playoff win, the Broncos passer suffered a fractured bone in his ankle that will sideline him for the remainder of their playoff run.

While Nix was part of postgame interviews and availability, a candid photo shared from his wife, Izzy Nix, painted a scene that was equal parts heart-warming and heart-wrenching:

The caption on the Instagram story post read:

‘I snuck this picture because I wanted to remember this moment forever,’ Izzy wrote on her Instagram story. ‘The joy, followed by the heartbreak, followed by watching each teammate and coach come to this little corner and sit by Bo’s side. God could have placed us anywhere, and I’m so grateful He chose Denver. He is the perfect Author of Bo’s story and we cannot wait to see what He has in store for this team — We’ll be on the front row, cheering the loudest!!!’

Nix is expected to undergo surgery on Tuesday, with his timeline for return to the field TBD.

Head coach Sean Payton delivered the stunning news after the game on Saturday. Nix was able to finish out the game despite the ailment.

Bo Nix injury update

Broncos coach Sean Payton announced Nix had suffered a season-ending ankle fracture during his postgame news conference.

‘On the second-to-last play in overtime, Bo fractured a bone in his right ankle,’ Payton told reporters. ‘He’s scheduled to have surgery Tuesday of this week to put him out for the rest of the season.’

Is Bo Nix out for the season?

Yes, Nix is out for remainder of the NFL playoffs after fracturing his ankle in Denver’s 33-30 win over Buffalo in the divisional round, as Broncos coach Sean Payton announced during his postgame news conference.

The Buffalo Bills announced Jan. 19 they had fired Sean McDermott after nine seasons in charge of the team.

Buffalo’s decision did not sit well with one of their veteran defensive players, Jordan Phillips.

Phillips – a 33-year-old defensive tackle – posted to his Instagram story to express displeasure with the team’s decision.

‘This (expletive) here is so stupid,’ Phillips wrote, posting a caption over a breaking news graphic regarding McDermott’s firing. ‘Honestly sickening. The best coach I’ve ever been around.’

Phillips would know a thing or two about the coaching landscape around the NFL. The 11-year veteran has bounced around since being a second-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2015 NFL Draft, playing for five different NFL teams and six different full-time coaches.

Phillips has had three separate, two-season stints with the Bills and enjoyed his most productive NFL campaign – a 9.5-sack season in 2019 – under McDermott’s tutelage.

While Phillips was among McDermott’s fans, Bills owner Terry Pegula stated his belief the team needed ‘a new structure’ in a statement announcing the 51-year-old’s firing.

‘Sean has done an [admirable] job of leading our football team for the past nine seasons,’ the statement read. ‘But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level. We owe that to our players and to Bills Mafia.’

‘Sean helped change the mindset of this organization and was instrumental in the Bills becoming a perennial playoff team. I respect all the work, loyalty and attention to detail he showed for this team and the community.’

STORRS, CT — The UConn women’s basketball team ended its three-game losing streak against Notre Dame in decisive fashion on Monday at Gampel Pavilion.

The Huskies, which last victory vs. the Fighting Irish came on Dec. 5, 2021, dominated the Hannah Hidalgo & Co., 85-47, to improve to 19-0 this season. UConn has won 35 straight dating back to last season.

Sarah Strong had her sixth double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Azzi Fudd added 15 points and KK Arnold 12 points and five assists. The Huskies had 19 fast-break points, compared to 2 by Notre Dame.

The Irish (12-6) struggled from the jump, with more than six minutes expiring in the game before their first field goal. Notre Dame was severely undermanned in the front court, outrebounded 39-24 and outscored in the paint 44-24.

Hannah Hidalgo led the Irish with 16 points. Cassandre Proper, who had averaged 19 points the past 10 games, was held to 12.

Third quarter: UConn 59, Notre Dame 35

The Huskies outscored the Irish by 17 in the third quarter and briefly held a 30-point lead. UConn has 14 points off turnovers and is outrebounding Notre Dame 31-18.

Sarah Strong has her sixth double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Coach Geno Auriemma has played only seven against the Irish, making you wonder if he will shorten his bench come tournament time.

UConn takes over

The Huskies are on an 18-2 run. Sarah Strong has 14 points, Azzi Fudd 11, KK Arnold 9 and Ashlyn Shade 8.

Hannah Hidalgo has not scored in the second half for Notre Dame.

Huskies stretch the lead to 17

UConn has outscored Notre Dame 10-2 to open the third quarter. Ashlyn Shade and KK Arnold each had a 3-pointer.

Second quarter: UConn 32, Notre Dame 23

The teams each scored 16 points in the second quarter. Hannah Hidalgo got it going with 10 points for the Irish.

Sarah Strong had 10 points, eight rebounds, two steals, two assists and two blocks to lead the Huskies. Azzi Fudd added seven points.

The Irish have six steals but have only two points off turnovers compared to nine from UConn.

Sarah Strong reaches 1,000 points

The sophomore sensation made it to the milestone in 59 games. She has 10 points.

Maya Moore is the all-time career leader for the Huskies with 3,036 points. Breanna Stewart is a distant second with 2,676 points.

First quarter: UConn 16, Notre Dame 7

The Irish shot 3 for 14 from the field in the first quarter. Cassandre Prosper made a 4-foot hook shot with a little over four minutes to go for Notre Dame’s first field goal.

In the meantime, the Huskies have dominated in the paint and outscored the Irish 14-4.

Azzi Fudd stays perfect

Azzi Fudd completed a 3-point play to put UConn up 11-1. She is a perfect 31-for-31 from the free throw line this season.

Irish score

At 6:07 of the first quarter, Notre Dame scores its first point. Malaya Cowles hit the first of two free throws. The Irish are 0-for-5 from the field.

Timeout Notre Dame

Less than 3 minutes into the contest, UConn is up 8-0 and the Irish have been unable to score. Notre Dame Niele Ivey called a quick timeout to regroup.

Serah Williams has four points for UConn.

We are underway in Storrs

UConn is up 4-0 on baskets by Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd.

What time is UConn vs. Notre Dame?

The UConn Huskies take on former Big East rival Notre Dame on Monday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. ET at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut.

UConn vs. Notre Dame: TV, streaming

• Date: Monday, Jan. 19
• Time: 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)
• Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, Connecticut)
• TV: Fox
• Stream: Fubo

Notre Dame starting lineup

UConn starting lineup

Hannah Hidalgo in the house

Sarah Strong named Big East player of the week, again

Indiana is playing Miami football in the CFP national championship game. Follow live updateshere.

Indiana and Miami match up for the 2025-26 national championship on Monday, Jan. 19, with both teams taking unlikely routes to the title game.

The Hoosiers went 3-9 in 2023 and have zero 5-star recruits on their roster, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t talented. They have multiple future NFL draft picks, including Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who’s likely to be the first quarterback selected in April.

Mendoza has been outstanding in the College Football Playoff, with eight touchdowns to only five incompletions in romps over Alabama and Oregon. Miami will be tasked with speeding up the star quarterback, although no team has quite been able to do that this season.

Miami might be best suited to do so, though, as it boasts the most ferocious pass rush in college football. Led by projected first-round picks Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, the first-team All-ACC selections have 19 combined sacks this season.

Here are the 10 most important players for Indiana and Miami’s national championship match up.

Indiana vs Miami key players in national championship game

10. WR Charlie Becker, Indiana

Indiana’s star receiving duo of Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., are problems for opposing defenses, but Charlie Becker has emerged as the Hoosiers’ go-to deep threat in recent weeks.

The 6-foot-4 sophomore has gains of 36, 30 and 51 yards in Indiana’s last three wins against Oregon, Alabama and Ohio State, respectively. He has a wide catch radius and good speed for his size.

Indiana will try to dial up a few plays for Becker against Miami, which might have some trouble trying to stop the breakout receiver.

9. DB Keionte Scott, Miami

Miami has deployed Keionte Scott in a variety of ways during the CFP, including as a pass rusher. Scott mostly lines up as a nickelback, and has five sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions this season, along with 61 total tackles.

Scott made the play of the game against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, intercepting Julian Sayin for a 72-yard touchdown.

The first-year transfer from Auburn has been used in a variety of ways this season and will look to disrupt Mendoza and throw him off rhythm in the national championship game.

8. LB Aiden Fisher, Indiana

A two-time All-American in his two seasons at Indiana, linebacker Aiden Fisher is the leader of Indiana’s defense. He has 91 total tackles this season with 3.5 sacks and two interceptions.

The senior will be integral to the Hoosiers’ run defense against Miami’s stout offensive line that has dominated in the CFP. Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher, who stands 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, has 395 rushing yards in three CFP games, and Fisher will be tasked with stopping Miami’s best offensive trait.

Tackling will be crucial, especially against someone of Fletcher’s stature.

7. CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana

All-American cornerback D’Angelo Ponds returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage against Oregon in the Peach Bowl, showing his playmaking ability.

He’ll be tasked with slowing down Miami receiver Malachi Toney, one of the most electrifying players in college football this season. Miami uses Toney in a variety of ways, lining him outside, in the slot, in the backfield and even as a Wildcat quarterback.

Ponds vs. Toney, who are both small yet wiry, could be one of the underrated matchups of the game.

6. WR Malachi Toney, Miami

Toney reclassified to the 2025 recruiting class a year ago, skipping his senior year of high school to play at Miami. It was the right decision, as he leads the team with 99 receptions for 1,089 yards and nine touchdowns this season, along with 113 rushing yards and a score. Toney also has two touchdown passes.

The Hurricanes manufacture touches for Toney, getting him the ball in creative ways. He caught a screen pass and maneuvered around multiple Ole Miss defenders for a 36-yard touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl.

5. Akheem Mesidor, Miami

One-half of Miami’s pass-rushing duo, Mesidor leads the team with 10.5 sacks this season, 3.5 of which have come in the CFP.

The 280-pound defensive end also has four forced fumbles this season. His presence allows for Bain Jr. and others to face 1-on-1 situations, as both pass rusher can’t be double teamed at the same time.

Perhaps the most important matchup in the game will be if Miami can cause havoc in Indiana’s backfield.

4. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Mendoza is likely the best player on the field for the national championship, although he’s surrounded by one of the best supporting casts in college football to help pick up the slack if he struggles.

Mendoza is a combined 31-of-36 passing for 369 yards with eight touchdowns in two CFP starts. He hasn’t been asked to take over games, either, with Indiana’s getting out to commanding leads so early in the game.

Mendoza is looking to keep Miami’s strong defense on its heels, especially its pass-rushing duo. Otherwise, it could be tough to score points.

3. OT Carter Smith, Indiana

Consensus All-American offensive tackle Carter Smith will likely face the best pair of rushers he has faced all season against Miami and will be tasked with slowing down Bain and Mesidor.

Smith, the Big Ten’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, is likely up for the task. If he can hold up against Miami’s duo, the Hurricanes could be in for a long night.

2. QB Carson Beck, Miami

Miami has leaned on its defense and rushing attack during the CFP run, allowing for quarterback Carson Beck to not have to be a playmaker to win games.

The sixth-year senior Georgia transfer might very well be asked to do a bit more with his arm against the Hoosiers, who can score a bunch of points. Beck passed for a combined 241 yards with two touchdowns in wins over Texas A&M and Ohio State, but threw for 268 yards with three total touchdowns against Ole Miss, leading a game-winning touchdown drive in the final seconds.

The experienced quarterback might not be of the same caliber as Mendoza, but how he performs on the grandest stage could be the difference for Miami. He’ll need to limit turnovers against a defense that has forced them in bunches this season.

1. DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Bain Jr. has shown an ability to take over games for Miami this season. The Hurricanes will need his best if they want to have a chance against the Hoosiers.

Bain Jr. has 8.5 sacks this season, although he affects the quarterback with pressure much more often than the statistic shows. The likely first-round pick had three sacks against Texas A&M in Miami’s 10-3 win, and had another sack in a key moment against Ohio State in the quarterfinals.

He was mostly held in check against Ole Miss, and will be looking to rebound against Indiana.

There is unanimity at the top of the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll for the first time this season.

Arizona managed to avoid the upset bug for another week. Thus the still-undefeated Wildcats remain at No. 1 for a second consecutive poll, this time claiming all 31 first-place votes. Last week’s second-ranked team wasn’t as fortunate, as Iowa State tumbles all the way to No. 9 after dropping a pair of road games in the Big 12.

New No. 2 Michigan leads a succession of teams moving up a notch as a result of the Cyclones’ fall. Connecticut, Purdue and Duke round out the top five, followed by Houston, Nebraska and Gonzaga. The Cornhuskers, now at No. 7 and one of only three remaining teams yet to lose, continues to establish new all-time high rankings for the program. Michigan State is back in the top 10, followed by No. 11 Illinois and No. 12 Texas Tech, as those three each move up two positions.

TOP 25: Complete USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball poll

Vanderbilt is another team falling back after slipping six spots to No. 14.

North Carolina went 0-2 in the Bay Area last week but hangs on to a spot in the poll at No. 24, down nine places. Making its season debut in the poll is No. 23 Saint Louis, the first top-25 appearance for the Billikens since January of 2021. No. 25 St. John’s also rejoins the rankings, as Utah State and Iowa drop out.

The NBA announced its All-Star starters on Monday and to the surprise of no one, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić took center stage, winning the fan poll by almost 200,000 votes.

The announcement came during the NBA on NBC pregame show ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder-Cleveland Cavaliers game to tip-off the league’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day broadcast slate.

The fan vote accounted for 50% of the selection process, along with a survey of NBA players and a media panel that were each responsible for 25%. The starters were chosen regardless of position.

Dončić — who led both previous rounds of the fan vote in the weeks leading up to Monday’s reveal — held onto his lead with 3,402,967 total votes. He was the only player in the Western Conference to break three million votes; the next closest player to him was Giannis Antetokounmpo, who received 3,218,398 votes.

Despite being the top vote-getter among fans, Doncic finished sixth in the player survey and second in the media survey with 95 votes apiece. Notably, his Lakers running mate, LeBron James, saw his 21-year all-star starter streak end.

NBA All-Star Game starters

Western Conference

Here is the full starting five for the West:

• Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (12th All-Star selection)
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (fourth)
• Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers (sixth)
• Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (second)
• Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets (eighth)

Eastern Conference

Here are all five starters from the East:

• Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (second All-Star selection)
• Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (third)
• Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (second)
• Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (fifth)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (10th)

When is the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?

This year’s All-Star Weekend will be held from February 13-15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The festivities will tip-off on Friday with the Celebrity All-Star Game and Rising Stars Game, followed by the three-point and dunk contest on Saturday all leading up to Sunday’s All-Star Game.

This year’s format, however, will be a little different. Instead of a traditional East vs. West matchup or the pickup-style experiments of years past, the NBA is pivoting to a USA vs. the World format. The All-Stars will be split into three teams consisting of eight players and will compete in a round-robin tournament. Reserves will be chosen by the coaches, though there is a contingency plan in which commissioner Adam Silver would fill out the teams if there are not enough domestic or international players.

The NBA has announced its All-Star starters for the 2026 contest.

And for the first time in 21 seasons, LeBron James was not selected as one of the first five, though he still has the chance to extend his record streak of consecutive All-Star selections.

The NBA made the announcement Monday, Jan. 19, during the pre-game show leading into the Oklahoma City-Cleveland Cavaliers game that’s part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day showcase.

Starters were selected through a fan vote (50% weight), and a survey of NBA players (25%) and a media panel (25%). Players were selected without regard for position. Accounting and services giant Ernst & Young managed and certified the surveys.

The format for this year’s game, however, will be different this season. The league is going to a USA versus the world format in which three, eight-player teams will compete in a round-robin tournament. The East and West starters, therefore, will be slotted into those eight-player teams. NBA coaches will select All-Star reserves, but if there are not enough domestic or international player, NBA commissioner Adam Silver will intervene to fill out the teams.

Here are the 10 starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, which will be held Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California:

NBA All-Star Game starters

Eastern Conference

Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (second All-Star selection)

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (third)

Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (second)

Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (fifth)

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (10th)

Western Conference

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (12th All-Star selection)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (fourth)

Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers (sixth)

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (second)

Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets (eighth)